Buddhism, against having fun.

[CapnAwesome]

Now Buddhism is a large and complicated religion, with many sects and different beliefs. One of those is 'western Buddhism' which from the conversations I've had with dreadlocked hippy Buddhists, doesn't seem to mean particularly much. That is one of the reason that it is annoying for me to attack Buddhism.

The second reason I think other Atheists and I don't particularly attack Buddhism is that it's like being bothered by an annoying homeless person when there are two face eating zombies (Christianity and Islam) right next door. Nevertheless there are some things anyone who claims to adhere to Buddhism simply cannot escape, such as the 10 precepts of Buddhism, laid down by, ya know, the Buddha.

The first five precepts are mandatory for every Buddhist, although the fifth precept is often not observed, because it bans the consumption of alcohol. Precepts no. six to ten are laid out for those in preparation for monastic life and for devoted lay people unattached to families. The eight precepts put together number eight and nine and omit the tenth. Lay people may observe the eight precepts on Buddhist festival days. Ordained Theravada monks undertake no less than 227 precepts, which are not listed here.

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from ...

...harming living beings.
...taking things not freely given.
...sexual misconduct.
...false speech.
...intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness.
...taking untimely meals.
...dancing, singing, music and watching grotesque mime.
...use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment.
...use of high seats.
...accepting gold or silver.

(adapted from The Word of the Buddha, Niyamatolika, The Buddhist Publication Society, 1971, p xii)

http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/precepts.html

Well fuck you Buddha. What exactly do you have against having fun? Unless you accept the supernatural idea of enlightenment, this is a total waste of your life. Dancing and singing? is this really harmful to anyone Sexual misconduct and a prohibition against intoxication are mandatory. I wonder if every dreadlocked hippy who claims to be a Buddhist is even aware of this. The rest are either silly and pointless, like use of high seats or garlands, or just common sense morality, like not stealing. Overall the ten precepts of Buddhism are either not special, harmful, or just silly.

Oh by the way, according to the Dahli Lama, homosexuality falls under sexual misconduct. Buddhist apologists will excuse this by saying that the Dahli Lama has also said that violence against homosexuals is wrong. Wow, if that is the criteria for not being a homophobe, the pope isn't one either.

"From a Buddhist point of view, lesbian and gay sex is generally considered sexual misconduct." Dalai Lama 1997: During at a press conference

You can also read all about the various interpretations of the Buddhist definition of sexual misconduct. http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd2.htm

[SpecUVdust]

I don't attack Buddhism on grounds similar to yours. I can "admire" traits of a Buddhist more easily than that of a Christian.

The Dalai Lama is not such a bad guy is he? Does he molest kids like the pope? Does he attempt to hold back the pursuit of knowledge? No to both. Its actually quite the opposite:

‎"If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change." -The Dalai Lama

---

You would never(arguably) hear those words coming from a Christian

[CapnAwesome]

‎"If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change." -The Dalai Lama

You know why I don't actually respect that quote, because lo and behold science never does in his eyes. I mean some Christians claim the same thing, but that any science that disagrees with them isn't real science. Of course I think Buddhism makes less scientific claims than Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

[SpecUVdust]

Interesting. Perhaps I have a misplaced "acceptance" of Buddhism. I'll research.

[Jackalope]

Meh. The day that Buddhists start doing shit like going door to door spreading the good news, or attempting to influence public policy where I live is the day I'll give a rat's ass about the bullshit that they believe. Until then, I'm perfectly happy to live and let live.

[alwayson]

There is a difference between a monk and a lay person. Monks have all sorts of rules.

In terms of "having fun", Vajrayana was founded by the Mahasiddhas who drank, fucked, gambled, consorted with prostitutes etc.

In Vajrayana, you must eat meat, drink alcohol etc. in ganachakra. Tibetan Buddhism is the main surviving branch of Indian Vajrayana.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasiddha

[Darth]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kstH-8jwa80

[Dee Dee Ramone]

I shook the Lama's hands at a conference in Amsterdam, which means the bhagwan is tolerant.

[CapnAwesome]

I shook the Lama's hands at a conference in Amsterdam, which means the bhagwan is tolerant.

Must be true, I made out with the pope once. I think he is tolerant too.

[alwayson]

The Pope is not the equivalent to the Dalai Lama.